Voltage generating circuits based on a power-on control signal

ABSTRACT

A circuit includes a power-on control circuit and a voltage generating circuit. The power-on control circuit is configured to cause a power-on control signal to follow a voltage level of a first supply voltage during a first time period that a voltage level of a second supply voltage is less than a threshold value, and to set the power-on control signal to have a voltage level of a reference voltage during a second time period that the voltage level of the second supply voltage is greater than the threshold value. The voltage generating circuit is configured to generate a voltage signal responsive to the power-on control signal.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Ser. No. 13/759,718, filed Feb. 5, 2013, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/666,721, filed on Jun. 29, 2012, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure is related to a voltage generating circuit based on a power-on control (POC) signal.

BACKGROUND

Some integrated circuits include core transistors and input-output (TO) transistors. Core transistors are smaller, occupy less die space, and use a lower supply voltage and lower voltage level signals than IO transistors. In contrast, IO transistors are larger, occupy a larger die space, and use a higher supply voltage and higher voltage level signals.

In some approaches, an input-output (TO) control pin of an integrated circuit uses a voltage level shifter to shift a voltage level of signals for core transistors to a voltage level of signals for IO transistors. Each level shifter in turns uses a native transistor to operate at a low operational core voltage value, such as 1 V. A native transistor is a transistor having a 0 V threshold voltage value. The native transistor occupies about 30% of the total area of a control circuit of the level shifter. A mask used to manufacture the native transistor is expensive.

In some other approaches, a power-on control (POC) circuit is used as an attempt to avoid unknown states of IO pins during power up. The unknown state of the IO pins result in an IO crowbar current and/or a bus contention condition in some situations, such as when a core operational supply voltage is at an operational voltage before an IO operational supply voltage. The level shifter circuit also uses a native transistor, resulting in a larger die area and higher costs compared with a level shifter that does not use the native transistor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of one or more embodiments of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

FIG. 1A is a circuit diagram of a power-on control (POC) circuit in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a graph of waveforms used to illustrate behaviors of a signal based on a POC condition, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a voltage generating circuit configured to generate a voltage based on the signal in FIG. 1B, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a voltage generating circuit, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a voltage generating circuit, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a voltage generating circuit, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a voltage generating circuit, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a voltage level shifting circuit, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of operating the voltage generating circuit in FIG. 2, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of operating the voltage level shifting circuit in FIG. 7, in accordance with some embodiments.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments, or examples, illustrated in the drawings are disclosed below using specific language. It will nevertheless be understood that the embodiments and examples are not intended to be limiting. Any alterations and modifications in the disclosed embodiments, and any further applications of the principles disclosed in this document are contemplated as would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.

Some embodiments have one or a combination of the following features and or advantages. A voltage generating circuit generates a control voltage based on a power-on control (POC) signal, which prevents a dead zone condition. In some embodiments, the voltage generating circuit is used in a voltage level shifting circuit (“a level shifter”). Compared with an existing approach, an area of the level shifter in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure is reduced by about 80%. Input-output (IO) speed is improved. No native transistors are used in the level shifter. Costs of masks to manufacture native transistors are avoided.

For simplicity, in this document, a reference name is used for both a node or a line and a corresponding signal or voltage thereon. For example, a reference VDDIO in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B is used to refer to both a node VDDIO and a signal or a voltage on node VDDIO. Also, a reference VDDCORE in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B is used to refer to both a node VDDCORE and a signal or a voltage on node VDDCORE; a reference GND in FIG. 1A is used to refer to both a node GND and a signal or a voltage on node GND; and a reference POC in FIG. 1A is used to refer to both a node POC and a signal or a voltage on node POC.

Behavior of a Signal POC

FIG. 1A is a circuit diagram of a power-on control (POC) circuit 100 in accordance with some embodiments. The POC circuit 100 is usable to detect a voltage level of a core operational supply voltage at node VDDCORE in the core domain. POC circuit 100 is configured to generate a power-on control signal POC. In some embodiments, the power-on control signal POC following a voltage level of the supply voltage VDDIO during a first time period that a voltage level of the supply voltage VDDCORE is less than a threshold value, and the power-on control signal POC is set to have a voltage level of the reference voltage during a second time period that the voltage level of the supply voltage VDDCORE is greater than the threshold value.

POC circuit 100 includes a first supply voltage node VDDIO, a second supply voltage node VDDCORE, and a reference node GND. The first supply voltage node VDDIO is configured to carry a supply voltage VDDIO; the second supply voltage node VDDCORE is configured to carry a supply voltage VDDCORE; and the reference node GND is configured to carry a reference ground voltage GND. POC circuit 100 further includes one or more P-type transistors 102 and 104 and one or more N-type transistors 112 and 114. One or more P-type transistors 102 and 104 are connected in series and coupled between first supply voltage node VDDIO and a node 122. One or more gates of the one or more P-type transistors 102 and 104 are coupled with a node 106, which in turns being coupled with the supply voltage node VDDCORE. One or more N-type transistors 112 and 114 are connected in series and coupled between the reference node GND and the node 122. One or more gates of the one or more N-type transistors 112 and 114 are coupled with the second supply voltage node VDDCORE.

Transistors 102, 104, 112, and 114 are configured as an inverting buffer having an input node 106, a power node 107, and a reference node 108. The input node 106 is coupled with the second supply voltage node VDDCORE, the power node 107 is coupled with the first supply voltage node VDDIO, and the reference node is coupled with reference ground voltage GND. In some embodiments, the serially connected P-type transistors and N-type transistors are configured to prevent the source-to-drain voltage difference observed by individual transistor exceeding the source-to-drain breakdown voltage thereof. As such, the number of serially connected P-type transistors or N-type transistors is determined based on the breakdown voltages of the P-type transistors or the N-type transistors and the operation voltage level of voltage VDDIO. In some embodiments, one of P-type transistors 102 and 104 is omitted. In some embodiments, one or more additional P-type transistors are introduced and serially connected with transistors 102 and 104 between node VDDIO and node 122. In some embodiments, one of N-type transistors 112 and 114 is omitted. In some embodiments, one or more additional N-type transistors are introduced and serially connected with transistors 112 and 114 between node GND and node 122.

In some embodiments, transistors 102, 104, 112, and 114 are replaced by another buffer circuit, such an inverting buffer having a different configuration or a non-inverting buffer.

Furthermore, the number and size of serially connected P-type transistors or N-type transistors also determine the driving capability of P-type transistors and the N-type transistors, which in turn determines the relationship between the voltage level of node 122 in response to the voltage level VDDIO of the P-type transistors during a period of time that the voltage level of voltage VDDIO is at a predetermined supply voltage value VDDIO_LEVEL (FIG. 1B) for an IO operational supply voltage. In some embodiments, the voltage level VDDCORE_LEVEL is insufficient to fully turned off P-side transistors 102 and 104, and the transistors 102, 104, 112, and 114 thus function as a voltage divider. In some examples, if the driving capability of transistors 102 and 104 are increased or the driving capability of transistors 112 and 114 are decreased, the voltage level of node 122 is increased, and vice versa.

POC circuit 100 further includes a Schmitt buffer 130 and another buffer 140. Schmitt buffer 130 has an input node 132 coupled with node 122 and an output node 134 coupled with a node 124. Buffer 140 has an input node 142 coupled with node 124 and an output node 144 coupled with a node POC. Node POC is configured to carry a power-on control signal POC.

Schmitt buffer 130 converts an input analog signal to an output digital signal based on the voltage level the input analog signal and a set of predetermined hysteresis threshold values. The set of predetermined hysteresis threshold values includes a low-to-high threshold value and a high-to-low threshold value of the Schmitt buffer 130. Schmitt buffer 130 is configured to set the output voltage at a voltage level corresponding to a logical high value if the voltage level at the input node 132 of Schmitt buffer 130 transitions from lower than to higher than the low-to-high threshold value of the Schmitt buffer 130. Also, Schmitt buffer 130 is configured to set the output voltage at a voltage level corresponding to a logical low value if the voltage level at the input node 132 of Schmitt buffer 130 transitions from higher than to lower than the high-to-low threshold value of the Schmitt buffer 130. In some embodiments, Schmitt buffer 130 is replaced by another type of circuit that has a transfer function with hysteresis. In some embodiments, Schmitt buffer 130 is omitted.

Buffer 140 is capable of providing sufficient driving capability for signal POC. In some embodiments, the function of buffer 140 is integrally formed with Schmitt buffer 130, and buffer 140 is thus omitted. In some embodiments, buffer 140 is omitted.

FIG. 1B is a graph of waveforms used to illustrate a behavior of a signal POC based on a POC condition, in accordance with some embodiments. Signal POC is used in different circuits 200-700 in FIGS. 2-7. Circuits 200-700 include electrical devices functioning in two different supply voltage domains, including a “core” domain and an “input-output” (IO) domain, for example. For illustration, a predetermined supply voltage value for a core operational supply voltage in the core domain is called VDDCORE_LEVEL, and is about 0.85 V in some embodiments. In contrast, a predetermined supply voltage value for an IO operational supply voltage in the IO domain is called VDDIO_LEVEL, and is about 1.8 V, 2.5 V or 3.3 V in some embodiments. Other supply voltage values in both the core and the IO domains are within the scope of various embodiments. In some embodiments, a low voltage value of signals in both the core domain and the IO domain is at a ground reference level or 0 V. A high voltage value of signals in the core domain is at voltage VDDCORE_LEVEL while a high voltage value of signals in the IO domain is at voltage VDDIO_LEVEL.

In FIG. 1B, for illustration, the X axis shows a time expansion of about 850 μS, while the Y axis shows a voltage expansion of about 1.8 V. Voltage VDDIO_LEVEL is about 1.8 V, and voltage VDDCORE_LEVEL is about 0.85 V. A waveform 160 represents a signal VDDIO (shown in FIG. 2), a waveform 170 represents a signal VDDCORE (not labeled), and a waveform 180 represents signal POC.

At a time t0, signal VDDIO represented by line 160 is powered on. Signal VDDIO starts to increase until a time t2 when signal VDDIO reaches the predetermined voltage VDDIO_LEVEL of about 1.8V. Signal VDDIO remains at voltage VDDIO_LEVEL until after time t4 when circuits 200-700 in FIGS. 2-7 are powered down.

Signal POC represented by line 180 also increases as signal VDDIO increases. From time t0 to a time t1, the voltage level of signal VDDIO increases while signal VDDCORE remains at 0 V. P-type transistors 102 and 104 are being gradually turned on as the voltage level of signal VDDIO increases. Therefore, from time t0 to t1, P-type transistors 102 and 104 function as a resistor, and a voltage level at node 122 follows the voltage level signal VDDIO but at a slower pace. At time t1, a voltage difference between signal VDDIO and signal VDDCORE is sufficient to overcome the threshold voltages of P-type transistors 102 and 104. After time t1, P-type transistors 102 and 104 are fully turned on, and the voltage level of signal POC is substantially similar to the voltage level of signal VDDIO. From time t1 to time t3, signal POC follows signal VDDIO. In other words, signal POC is the same as signal VDDIO. As a result, line 160 and line 180 are the same from time t1 to time t3. Because between time t0 and time t1 signal POC is substantially similar to signal VDDIO, for simplicity of illustrations, signal POC and signal VDDIO are considered the same between time t0 and time t3.

At time t2, signal VDDIO represented by line 160 has reached an operational voltage VDDIO_LEVEL of 1.8 V, but signal VDDCORE represented by line 170 remains inactive at 0 V.

At time t0′, signal VDDCORE represented by line 170 is activated. Voltage VDDCORE starts to increase until time t3 when voltage VDDCORE is considered sufficiently high to provide an operational voltage value for devices in the core domain. During time t0′ to t3, N-type transistors 112 and 114 are gradually turned on, and the voltage level at node 122 is gradually pulled toward ground. However, during time t0′ to t3, the voltage has not reached the high-to-low threshold value of the Schmitt buffer 130, such as about 0.6 V in this embodiment, signal POC remains at VDDIO_LEVEL. At time t3, when voltage VDDCORE reaches about 0.6 V, the voltage level at node 122 also reaches the high-to-low threshold value of the Schmitt buffer 130, both voltages VDDIO and VDDCORE are considered as logically high, and signal POC transitions to a low logical value. Adjusting the driving capability of P-type transistors 102 and 104 and the driving capability of N-type transistors 112 and 114 changes the corresponding voltage level in response to the voltage level of voltage VDDCORE. Also, in some embodiments, Schmitt buffer 130 is configured to have a different high-to-low threshold value. Therefore, by configuring transistors 102, 104, 112, and 114 and Schmitt buffer 130, other values at which voltage VDDCORE is considered logically high and sufficient to cause signal POC to transition from logical high to low are within the scope of various embodiments. Soon after time t3, voltage VDDCORE reaches its predetermined operational voltage VDDCORE_LEVEL of about 0.85 V, and remains at voltage VDDCORE_LEVEL until a time before time t4 when circuits 200-700 in FIGS. 2-7 are powered down.

Between time t0 and time t3, signal POC and circuits 200-700 in FIGS. 2-7 are in a power-on mode. Between time t3 and time t4 when both voltages VDDIO and VDDCORE are logically high, signal POC and circuits 200-700 are in a normal operational mode. After time t4, signal POC and circuits 200-700 are in a power-down mode.

In brief, signal POC is logically high during a later part of the power-on condition, such as between time t2 and time t3. Signal POC is logically low when both voltages VDDIO and VDDCORE are logically high and signal POC is in the normal operational mode, such as between time t3 and time t4. At time t4′, the voltage level of voltage VDDCORE starts to decrease, and N-type transistors 122 and 114 are biased to offer less driving capability. As a result, the voltage level at node 122 is gradually pulled up toward the voltage level of voltage VDDIO. At time t4, the voltage level at node 122 has reached the low-to-high threshold value of the Schmitt buffer 130, and the voltage level of voltage VDD IO is sufficient low to trigger the transitioning of logical state at node 134, which in turns cause the change of the logical value of signal POC. Signal POC returns to a logically high value at time t4 and voltage VDDCORE represented by line 170 is considered logically low.

For illustration, voltage VDDIO is considered logically high at time t2 when voltage VDDIO reaches voltage VDDIO_LEVEL. Other values of voltage VDDIO to be considered logically high are within the scope of various embodiments. For example, voltage VDDIO is considered logically high when voltage VDDIO is about 80% of the predetermined voltage VDDIO_LEVEL.

Circuits to Generate Signal POCINT

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a voltage generating circuit 200, in accordance with some embodiments. Circuit 200 is used to generate a voltage POCINT based on voltage VDDIO_LEVEL of signal VDDIO and signal POC. Voltage POCINT is used in a level shifter circuit 700 in FIG. 7 as an illustration.

A P-type metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor P20 functions as a current source while an N-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistor N20 functions as a current sink for circuit 200.

Signal POC at gates of transistors P20 and N20 controls transistors P20 and N20. In some embodiments, in a normal operation of circuit 200, such as between time t3 and time t4 in FIG. 1B, signal POC is logically low. As a result, NMOS transistor N20 is turned off while PMOS transistor P20 is turned on. A sub voltage generating circuit 210 is configured to provide voltage POCINT based on voltage VDDIO_LEVEL of signal VDDIO, a voltage VSDP20 (not labeled), and a voltage drop across sub voltage generating circuit 210. Voltage VSDP20 is a voltage drop across a source and a drain of PMOS transistor P20, which, in some embodiments, is 0 V.

During the power on mode when signal VDDIO and signal POC are the same, such as between time t0 and time t3 in FIG. 1B, voltage POCINT is logically low. For example, at time t0, signal POC is logically low, NMOS transistor N20 is turned off, and PMOS transistor P20 is turned on. As a result, in some embodiments, voltage POCINT is logically low due to a low voltage value of voltage VDDIO at the source of PMOS transistor P20, regardless of a voltage drop across sub voltage generating circuit 210. When signal POC increases above a threshold voltage of NMOS transistor N20, NMOS transistor N20 is turned on. Voltage POCINT is therefore pulled to ground at a source of NMOS transistor N20. In other words, voltage POCINT is also logically low in such a situation.

PMOS transistor P20 and NMOS transistor N20 are used in circuit 200 for illustrations. Multiple transistors used in place of a single transistor are within the scope of various embodiments. For example, two or more PMOS transistors coupled in series are used in place of PMOS transistor P20, and two or more NMOS transistors coupled in series are used in place of NMOS transistor N20. Other switching devices including other types of transistors are also within the scope of various embodiments. For example, a P-doped N-doped and P-doped (PNP) bipolar junction transistor (BJT) is used in place of PMOS transistor P20 while an NPN BJT is used in place of NMOS transistor N20. A transmission gate that includes a P-type and an N-type transistor is used in place of PMOS transistor P20 or NMOS transistor N20, etc.

Various Embodiments of Sub Voltage Generating Circuit

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a circuit 300, in accordance with some embodiments. Circuit 300 is circuit 200 in which sub voltage generating circuit 210 is implemented with a sub voltage generating circuit 310. For illustration, in circuit 300 and circuits 400, 500, and 600 in corresponding FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, signal POC is logically low to turn on PMOS transistor P20 and to turn off NMOS transistor N20. In other words, circuits 300-600 operate in the normal operational mode.

A voltage VDP20 at the drain of PMOS transistor P20 and one end of resistor R1 is voltage VDDIO minus voltage VSD20. Resistors R1 and R2 in circuit 310 function as a voltage divider. As a result, voltage POCINT is provided based on an equation (1) POCINT=R2*VDP20/(R1+R2)

Using equation (1) and based on voltage VDP20, different values of resistors R1 and R2 are selected to provide different values for voltage POCINT.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a circuit 400, in accordance with some embodiments. Circuit 400 is circuit 200 in which sub voltage generating circuit 210 is implemented with a diode 410. Voltage POCINT is equal to voltage VDP20 minus a voltage drop across diode 410, which varies depending on various factors, including, for example, a doping level, a process profile to manufacture diode 410, etc. In some embodiments, the voltage drop across diode 410 is about 0.3 V.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a circuit 500, in accordance with some embodiments. Circuit 500 is circuit 400 in which diode 410 is implemented with an NMOS transistor N510. A gate and a drain of NMOS transistor N510 are coupled together and to the drain of PMOS transistor P20. A source of NMOS transistor N510 is coupled with the drain of NMOS transistor N20, and serves to provide voltage POCINT.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a circuit 600, in accordance with some embodiments. Circuit 600 is circuit 400 in which diode 410 is implemented with a PMOS transistor P610. A gate and a drain of PMOS transistor P610 are coupled together and to the drain of NMOS transistor N20, and serve to provide voltage POCINT. A source of PMOS transistor P610 is coupled with the drain of PMOS transistor P20.

In FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, one diode or a transistor configured as a diode is shown for illustration. A different number of diodes and/or transistors configured as diodes and coupled in series is within the scope of various embodiments. For example, if two diodes are used, voltage POCINT is equal to voltage VDP20 minus a voltage drop across two diodes, and if three diodes are used, voltage POCINT is equal to voltage VDP20 minus a voltage drop across three diodes, etc. In some embodiments, a voltage value of voltage POCINT is predetermined. A number of diodes and/or transistors configured as diodes is implemented to provide voltage POCINT based on voltage VDDIO. Additionally, other circuits used to generate voltage POCINT based on voltage VDD_LEVEL of signal VDDIO and voltage POC are within the scope of various embodiments.

For illustrations, transistors operating with supply voltage VDDCORE and core signals are called core transistors while transistors operating with supply voltage VDDIO and IO signals are called IO transistors. Transistors in FIGS. 2-6 are IO transistors.

An Application of Signal POCINT and Signal POC in a Voltage Level Shifter Circuit

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a voltage level shifter circuit (level shifter) 700, in accordance with some embodiments. Level shifter 700 is used to illustrate an application of voltage POCINT and voltage POC. Other circuits using voltages POCINT and POC are within the scope of various embodiments.

Level shifter 700 is symmetrical. For example, except for an NMOS transistor N5, circuit elements on the left of a reference line 710 are the same as circuit elements on the right of reference line 710. For another example, transistors P1, N1, and N3 function in a similar manner as transistors P2, N2, and N4, respectively. Operations on signals I and Z are functionally similar to operations on signals IN and ZN, respectively.

In some embodiments, transistors P1, P2, N1, N2, and N5 are IO transistors while transistors N3 and N4 are core transistors. Sources of PMOS transistors P1 and P2 are configured to receive IO supply voltage VDDIO, which, in some embodiments, is 1.8 V. Input signals I and IN are core signals that use voltage VDDCORE_LEVEL as a high voltage level. In contrast, signals POC, ZN, and Z are IO signals that use voltage VDDIO_LEVEL as a high voltage level.

Input signals I and IN are an inverse of one another. For example, when signal I is logically low, signal IN is logically high, and vice versa. Output signals Z and ZN are also an inverse of one another. Output signal Z corresponds to input signal I while output signal ZN corresponds to input signal IN. For example, when signal I is logically low, signal Z is also logically low and signals IN and ZN are logically high, and vice versa.

Circuit 700 functions as a voltage level shifter. The following examples are explained in the context of input signal I and output signal Z. Based on the symmetry of circuit 700, operations on input signal IN and output signal ZN are similar to operations on input signal I and output signal Z. Circuit 700 receives signal I having a core voltage level VDDCORE_LEVEL and provides signal Z having an IO voltage value VDDIO_LEVEL. Effectively, circuit 700 shifts a voltage VDDCORE_LEVEL of input I to voltage VDDIO_LEVEL of output Z.

Signal POCINT at gates of transistors N1 and N2 is used to control transistors N1 and N2. For illustration, signal POCINT at the gate of transistor N1 is logically high to turn on transistor N1, and signal I is also logically high. As a result, node ZN at a drain of transistor N1 is pulled to ground or a low logical value at a source of NMOS transistor N3. At the same time, signal IN at a gate of transistor N4 is logically low. As a result, transistor N4 is turned off, and transistors N2 and N4 function as an open circuit. Node ZN is also coupled with a gate of transistor P2, and is logically low. PMOS transistor P2 is therefore turned on. Because PMOS transistor P2 is turned on and NMOS transistors N2 and N4 function as an open circuit, node Z at the drain of transistor P2 is pulled to voltage VDDIO_LEVEL of signal VDDIO at a source of transistor P2. In other words, node Z is at a high voltage value of IO supply voltage VDDIO_LEVEL. Effectively, circuit 700 has level shifted input signal I having a core voltage VDDCORE_LEVEL to output Z having an IO voltage VDDIO_LEVEL. When signal I is logically low, however, transistor N3 is turned off, and transistors N3 and N1 function as an open circuit. At the same time, signal IN is logically high. Operations of circuit 700 on signal IN are similar to operations of circuit 700 on signal I as explained above.

A voltage level of signal POCINT at the gate of NMOS transistor N1 is selected to turn on NMOS transistor N1 when level shifter 700 operates in the normal operational mode. The voltage level of signal POCINT is also selected to protect a gate oxide of NMOS transistor N3. For example, when a voltage VGDN3 (not labeled) dropped across a gate and a drain of transistor N3 is too high, the gate oxide of transistor N3 is damaged. Signal POCINT is selected such that voltage VGDN3 is within an acceptable range.

In some embodiments, a voltage VDSN3 (not labeled) dropped between the drain and the source of transistor N3 is selected to be about 120%-130% of core supply voltage VDDCORE_LEVEL. Voltage VDSN3 is a result of voltage VDDIO_LEVEL of signal VDDIO at the source of transistor P1 being dropped through the source and the drain of PMOS transistor P1 and the drain and the source of NMOS transistor N1. In some embodiments, the voltage drop between the source and the drain of PMOS transistor P1 is 0 V. For illustration, if voltage POCINT is at 1.5 V, and a voltage drop between the source and the drain of transistor N1 is 0.3 V, VDSN3 is 1.5 V-0.3 V or 1.2 V, which is acceptable in some embodiments in which core supply voltage VDDCORE_LEVEL is about 0.9 V. But if voltage POCINT is about 1.8 V, voltage VDSN3 is 1.8 V-0.3 V-1.5 V, which is too high and would damage a gate oxide of transistor N3.

Signal POC at a gate of an NMOS transistor N5 is used to control NMOS transistor N5. In some embodiments, toward the end of a power-on mode, such as between time t2 and time t3 in FIG. 1B, signal POC is logically high. Transistor N5 is therefore turned on. When the power on mode ends and a normal operation of circuit 700 starts, signal POC is logically low, and transistor N5 is therefore turned off.

Signal POC, signal POCINT, and NMOS transistor N5 reduce or eliminate a crow bar current in circuit 700. For example, initially, at time t0 in FIG. 1B, voltage VDDIO is 0 V. Voltage POC follows voltage VDDIO and is also 0 V. As a result, inputs I and IN are 0 V. Voltage POCINT is also 0 V. NMOS transistors N1 and N2 are therefore turned off until time t3 when voltage POC is logically low that turns off NMOS transistor N20 in FIGS. 3-6, and voltage POCINT is sufficiently high to turn on transistors N1 and N2. Voltage VDDIO and thus voltage POC start to increase until voltage POC passes a threshold voltage of NMOS transistor N5. Transistor N5 is therefore turned on, and pulls output Z to a low logic level or ground at a source of transistor N5. Output Z is also electrically connected to a gate of PMOS transistor P1. As a result, transistor P1 is turned on, and output ZN follows voltage VDDIO at the source of transistor P1. Voltage VDDCORE remains at a low logical value. Inputs I and IN in the core domain are still logically low. As a result, no current or an insignificant amount of current flows from output Z or output ZN to ground. In other words, a crow bar current is reduced or eliminated.

Compared with other approaches, various embodiments of the present disclosure are advantageous. For example, in those approaches, when outputs of the voltage level shifter circuit are in an unknown state, a crowbar current is generated.

Exemplary Methods

FIG. 8 is a flowchart 800 of a method of operating voltage generating circuit 200 in FIG. 2, in accordance with some embodiments. Effectively, flowchart 800 is also a method of generating voltage POCINT. For illustration, initially, signals VDDIO and VDDCORE are deactivated and are at 0 V.

In operation 805, signal POC is applied to gates of transistors P20 and N20 in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, signal POC is generated by a POC circuit, such as POC circuit 100 depicted in FIG. 1A.

In operation 810, signal VDDIO is activated to result in a power-on mode of signal VDDIO. Signal POC substantially follows signal VDDIO and causes voltage POCINT to have a low logical value.

In operation 815, signal VDDCORE is activated. When both signals VDDIO and VDDCORE reach a point to be considered logically high, such as at time t3 in FIG. 1B, signal POC turns to be logically low. As a result, NMOS transistor N20 in FIG. 2 is turned off and PMOS transistor P20 is turned on. Voltage POCINT is generated by sub voltage generating circuit 210 based on voltage VDDIO_LEVEL of signal VDDIO at the source of transistor P20.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart 900 of a method of operating voltage level shifter 700, in accordance with some embodiments. For illustration, one of circuits 300, 400, 500, or 600 is selected to be used as sub voltage generating circuit 210 in circuit 200 in FIG. 2. In other words, signal POCINT is generated by one of circuits 300, 400, 500, or 600 for use by circuit 700. Further, both voltages VDDIO and VDDCORE are at 0 V so that circuit 700 is turned off.

In operation 905, voltage VDDIO is activated at time t0 in FIG. 1B. For example, a voltage value of 1.8 V is generated for voltage VDDIO_LEVEL in FIG. 1B. Circuit 700 therefore starts a power-on mode in between time t0 and time t3. Voltage VDDIO and voltage POC start to increase. Between time t0 and before voltage POC passes a threshold voltage of NMOS transistor N5, outputs Z and ZN are logically low because signal POCINT is low that turns off transistors N1 and N2. When voltage POC passes a threshold voltage of NMOS transistor N5, NMOS transistor N5 is turned on, and pulls output node Z to a known state of a ground reference level at the source of transistor N5. PMOS P1 transistor is turned on, and outputs ZN follows voltage VDDIO at the source of transistor P1. The known state of outputs Z and ZN resulting in circuit 700 generating an insignificant amount or zero amount of a crowbar current.

In operation 910, signal VDDCORE is activated at time t0′, and voltage VDDCORE starts to increase. Circuit 700 enters a normal operation mode when circuit 700 ends the power on condition at time t3. In other words, circuit 700 enters the normal operation mode when voltage VDDIO reaches 1.8 V and voltage VDDCORE reaches about 0.6 V. During the normal operation mode, signal POC is logically low, and transistor N5 is turned off to be electrically disconnected from circuit 700. Further, circuit 200 in FIG. 2 generates voltage POCINT sufficiently high to turn on NMOS transistor N1 but sufficiently low to not damage core NMOS transistor N3.

In operation 915, input signal I is applied with a high logical value of voltage VDDCORE_LEVEL. As a result, transistor N3 is turned on, which, together with transistor N1, pulls node ZN to a low logical value at the source of transistor N1. Consequently, PMOS transistor P2 is turned on, which pulls output Z to voltage VDDIO_LEVEL of signal VDDIO at the source of transistor P2. Effectively, circuit 700 has shifted voltage VDDCORE_LEVEL of input I to voltage VDDIO_LEVEL of output Z.

In the above illustrations, input I is logically high. When input I is logically low, input IN is logically high. Based on the symmetrical characteristics of circuit 700, operations of circuit 700 when input IN is logically high are similar to operations of circuit 700 when input I is logically high, taking account of the symmetrical characteristics of circuit 700.

In accordance with one embodiment, a circuit includes a first supply voltage node configured to carry a first supply voltage, a second supply voltage node configured to carry a second supply voltage, a reference node configured to carry a reference voltage, a power-on control circuit, and a voltage generating circuit. The power-on control circuit is configured to cause a power-on control signal to follow a voltage level of the first supply voltage during a first time period that a voltage level of the second supply voltage is less than a threshold value, and to set the power-on control signal to have a voltage level of the reference voltage during a second time period that the voltage level of the second supply voltage is greater than the threshold value. The voltage generating circuit is configured to generate a voltage signal responsive to the power-on control signal. The voltage signal has a voltage level between the voltage level of the first supply voltage and the voltage level of the reference voltage during the second time period.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method includes causing a power-on control signal to follow a voltage level of a first supply voltage during a first time period that a voltage level of a second supply voltage is less than a threshold value. The power-on control signal is set to have a voltage level of a reference voltage during a second time period that the voltage level of the second supply voltage is greater than the threshold value. A voltage signal is generated responsive to the power-on control signal. The voltage signal has a voltage level between the voltage level of the first supply voltage and the voltage level of the reference voltage during the second time period.

In accordance with another embodiment, a circuit includes a first supply voltage node configured to carry a first supply voltage, a second supply voltage node configured to carry a second supply voltage, a reference node configured to carry a reference voltage, a power-on control circuit, and a voltage generating circuit. The power-on control circuit includes a buffer and a sub-circuit. The buffer includes an input node, an output node, and a power node. The input node of the buffer is coupled with the second supply voltage node, and the power node of the buffer is coupled with the first supply voltage node. The sub-circuit is coupled with the output node of the buffer. The sub-circuit is configured to generate the power-on control signal based on a signal on the output node of the buffer, and the signal on the output node of the buffer and the power-on control signal corresponding to a transfer function with hysteresis. The voltage generating circuit is configured to, in response to the power-on control signal, generate a voltage signal having a voltage level between the voltage level of the first supply voltage and the voltage level of the reference voltage during the second time period.

A number of embodiments have been described. It will nevertheless be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, various transistors being shown having a particular dopant type (e.g., N-type or P-type Metal Oxide Semiconductor (NMOS or PMOS)) are for illustration purposes. Embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to a particular type. Selecting different dopant types for a particular transistor is within the scope of various embodiments. The low or high logical value of various signals used in the above description is also for illustration. Various embodiments are not limited to a particular level when a signal is activated and/or deactivated. Selecting different levels is within the scope of various embodiments. A ground reference is shown in different circuits. A different reference voltage value is within the scope of various embodiments. In various embodiments, a transistor functions as a switch. A switching circuit used in place of a transistor is within the scope of various embodiments. Various figures showing discrete resistors are for illustration. Equivalent circuitry may be used. For example, a resistive device, circuitry or network (e.g., a combination of resistors, resistive devices, circuitry, etc.) can be used in place of the resistor.

The above examples include exemplary steps, but the steps are not necessarily performed in the order shown. Steps may be added, replaced, changed order, and/or eliminated as appropriate, in accordance with the spirit and scope of disclosed embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A circuit, comprising: a first supply voltage node configured to carry a first supply voltage; a second supply voltage node configured to carry a second supply voltage; a reference node configured to carry a reference voltage; and a power-on control circuit comprising a buffer having an input node and a power node, the input node being coupled with the second supply voltage node, the power node being coupled with the first supply voltage node, and the power-on control circuit being configured to: cause a power-on control signal to follow a voltage level of the first supply voltage during a first time period that a voltage level of the second supply voltage is less than a threshold value; and set the power-on control signal to have a voltage level of the reference voltage during a second time period that the voltage level of the second supply voltage is greater than the threshold value; and a voltage generating circuit configured to generate a voltage signal responsive to the power-on control signal, the voltage signal having a voltage level between the voltage level of the first supply voltage and the voltage level of the reference voltage during the second time period.
 2. The circuit of claim 1, further comprising: a level shifter configured to receive an input signal swinging between the voltage level of the second supply voltage and the voltage level of the reference voltage and to output an output signal swinging between the voltage level of the first supply voltage and the voltage level of the reference voltage, the level shifter comprising at least two transistors having gate terminals configured to receive the voltage signal from the voltage generating circuit.
 3. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the voltage generating circuit comprises: a sub voltage generating circuit; a first switching device between the first supply voltage node and the sub voltage generating circuit, the first switching device being configured to receive the power-on control signal; and a second switching device between the second supply voltage node and the sub voltage generating circuit, the second switching device being configured to receive the power-on control signal.
 4. The circuit of claim 3, wherein the first switching device is a P-type transistor having a source terminal, a gate terminal, and a drain terminal, the source terminal being coupled with the first supply voltage node, the drain terminal being coupled with the sub voltage generating circuit, and the gate terminal being configured to receive the power-on control signal; and the second switching device is an N-type transistor having a source terminal, a gate terminal, and a drain terminal, the source terminal being coupled with the second supply voltage node, the drain terminal being coupled with the sub voltage generating circuit, and the gate terminal being configured to receive the power-on control signal.
 5. The circuit of claim 4, wherein the drain terminal of the second switching device is configured to carry the voltage signal.
 6. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the power-on control circuit further comprises a sub-circuit coupled with the buffer, the sub-circuit having a transfer function with hysteresis.
 7. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the sub-circuit comprises a Schmitt buffer.
 8. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the buffer of the power-on control circuit comprises: one or more P-type transistors coupled between the first supply voltage node and a first node, one or more gates of the one or more P-type transistors being coupled with the second supply voltage node; and one or more N-type transistors coupled between the reference node and the first node, one or more gates of the one or more N-type transistors being coupled with the second supply voltage node.
 9. The circuit of claim 8, wherein the power-on control circuit further comprises: a Schmitt buffer having an input node coupled with the first node.
 10. The circuit of claim 9, wherein the power-on control circuit further comprises: another buffer having an input node coupled with an output node of the Schmitt buffer and an output node configured to carry the power-on control signal.
 11. A method, comprising: causing a power-on control signal to follow a voltage level of a first supply voltage during a first time period that a voltage level of a second supply voltage is less than a threshold value, the power-on control circuit comprising a buffer having an input node and a power node, the input node being coupled with the second supply voltage node, and the power node being coupled with the first supply voltage node; setting the power-on control signal to have a voltage level of a reference voltage during a second time period that the voltage level of the second supply voltage is greater than the threshold value; and generating a voltage signal responsive to the power-on control signal, the voltage signal having a voltage level between the voltage level of the first supply voltage and the voltage level of the reference voltage during the second time period.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: biasing a level shifter according to the voltage signal during the second time period, the level shifter being configured to receive an input signal swinging between the voltage level of the second supply voltage and the voltage level of the reference voltage and to output an output signal swinging between the voltage level of the first supply voltage and the voltage level of the reference voltage.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the generating the voltage signal comprises causing a voltage drop between a first power supply node configured to carry the second supply voltage and an output node configured to carry the bias voltage.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the causing the power-on control signal to follow the voltage level of the first supply voltage and the setting the power-on control signal to have the voltage level of the reference voltage are performed by converting a signal at an output node of the buffer to the power-on control signal, the signal at the output node of the buffer and the power-on control signal corresponding to a transfer function with hysteresis.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the buffer comprises: one or more P-type transistors coupled between the first supply voltage node and a first node, one or more gates of the one or more P-type transistors being coupled with the second supply voltage node; and one or more N-type transistors coupled between the reference node and the first node, one or more gates of the one or more N-type transistors being coupled with the second supply voltage node.
 16. A circuit, comprising: a first supply voltage node configured to carry a first supply voltage; a second supply voltage node configured to carry a second supply voltage; a reference node configured to carry a reference voltage; a power-on control circuit comprising: a buffer having an input node, an output node, and a power node, the input node being coupled with the second supply voltage node, the power node being coupled with the first supply voltage node; and a sub-circuit coupled with the output node of the buffer, the sub-circuit being configured to generate the power-on control signal based on a signal on the output node of the buffer, and the signal on the output node of the buffer and the power-on control signal corresponding to a transfer function with hysteresis; and a voltage generating circuit configured to, in response to the power-on control signal, generate a voltage signal having a voltage level between the voltage level of the first supply voltage and the voltage level of the reference voltage during the second time period.
 17. The circuit of claim 16, further comprising: a level shifter, comprising: an output node; a first transistor between the output node and the reference node, the first transistor comprising a gate configured to receive the power-on control signal; and a second transistor between the first supply voltage node and the reference node, the second transistor comprising a gate configured to receive the voltage signal.
 18. The circuit of claim 16, wherein the buffer of the power-on control circuit comprises: one or more P-type transistors coupled between the first supply voltage node and the output node of the buffer, one or more gates of the one or more P-type transistors being coupled with the second supply voltage node; and one or more N-type transistors coupled between the reference node and the output node of the buffer, one or more gates of the one or more N-type transistors being coupled with the second supply voltage node.
 19. The circuit of claim 18, wherein the sub-circuit comprises a Schmitt buffer.
 20. The circuit of claim 16, wherein the sub-circuit comprises: a Schmitt buffer having an input node coupled with the output node of the buffer; and another buffer having an input node coupled with an output node of the Schmitt buffer and an output node configured to carry the power-on control signal. 